Woodbine Mohawk Park: Maximus Miki rallies to Canadian Pacing Derby title

They don't call him the "Money Man" for nothing. On Saturday night Scott Zeron guided 9-1 shot Maximus Miki from far off- the-pace and tracked down Ervin Hanover in the final strides to capture the C$690,000 Grade 1 Canadian Pacing Derby in a 1:48 1/5 clocking. It was back-to-back Pacing Derby's for Zeron, who piloted Its My Show to victory in the 2024 edition.

As expected, race favorites Bythemissal and Ervin Hanover were aggressive in the early stages, with Ervin Hanover seating his rival into the opening bend. Coaches Corner and Jason Bartlett were persistent in looking for the top and were parked past the 26 1/5 first quarter before getting there. Louis Roy, driving Ervin Hanover, wasted little time regaining command, but he quickly had company as Yannick Gingras, driving the favored Bythemissal went on the offensive.

Ervin Hanover maintained control at the 54 1/5 half, and the pace picked up quickly as he left Bythemissal on the outside and tried to outsprint the entire field. Bythemissal was followed by Sabonis from second-over, but Zeron was in a very difficult spot, mired behind the dull cover of stablemate Ruthless Hanover and struggling to gain contention. Zeron moved the Tom Cancelliere-trained Maximus Miki wide early on the final bend but was still well in arrears of Ervin Hanover, who passed three-quarters in 1:20 3/5 and seemed on his way to a certain victory as Bythemissal and Sabonis struggled to keep in close proximity.

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Ervin Hanover had a solid lead, but Maximus Miki and a host of others tried to make up ground in the final eighth. Maximus Miki, a son of Always B Miki, kicked in with high speed and collared the leader in the shadow of the wire, getting a head in front. Ervin Hanover was well clear for second with Oakwood Ardan IR finishing fastest of all for third. Captain Luke and Huntinthelastdolar rounded out the top five.

John Cancelliere owns Maximus Miki, now a four-time winner in 2025 that paid $21.20 to win.

"He's a big horse and takes time to get into gear," said Zeron following the victory. "That's why I sent him four-wide early to get his momentum going."